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Boeing will manufacture 184 Apaches for US and international customers, including the first Apaches for Australia, following a US$1.9 billion award.
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The total value of Boeing’s Apache program is currently US$2.1 billion, with the contract potentially growing to US$3.8 billion
Of the order, the US Army is expected to take delivery of 115 remanufactured attack helicopters, with an additional 15 units as options.
The remaining 54 Apaches will be delivered to international customers including Australia.
In May last year, then Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the Commonwealth’s plans to acquire 29 AH-64E armed reconnaissance helicopters, with deliveries expected to commence in 2025.
The Apache is set to replace the Australian Army’s fleet of Tigers.
Australia is the 18th country to acquire the capability.
“We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet, while supporting additional partner nations and welcoming our newest Apache customer, the Australian Army,” Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior Boeing Mesa site executive said.
“This contract highlights the need for Apaches worldwide.”
The size of Boeing’s Apache production line comes shortly after the helicopter surpassed five million flight hours.
"This multi-year contract is critical for the warfighter and the entire Apache team," said Col. John (Jay) Maher, U.S. Army Apache project manager.
"It demonstrates the Army's commitment to continue putting unmatched capability into the hands of our nation’s finest, while providing stability and predictability for the outstanding citizens and companies that pour their talent into producing the best attack helicopter in the world."
The first multi-year contract for the capability was signed in 2017, following which Boeing delivered 244 remanufactured helicopters to the United States with an additional 24 new-builds built for an overseas customer.
Boeing Global Services is scheduled to continue delivering training devices, spare provisions, support and test kits, depot support, field engineering and technical manuals for the international customers.
